Changes

The reason for that is simple. The writing is good and good writing appeals to any age group. There's some wonderful humour: don't miss Mrs Bass's rant about prominent women who have 'strong legs' (which sounds much better than 'thick thighs') or Charlie's antics at the auction. It was ''not'' a good time to wave to her friend. Clare Balding has wisely stuck to writing about what she knows well and racing is [[Making the Running by Ian Balding|in her blood]] as well as being part of her professional life. Don't worry though, your ten year old is not going to be looking to make an investment on the potential winner of the three thirty at Wincanton - the story might be set in the world of horseracing, but it's essentially about a family working together to overcome the bad stuff which life throws at them and making the most of chances which come your way along with the fact that - as Balding says - ''you don't always win by following the crowd''.

The book will appeal to boys and girls - the leading character might be female but there's enough from the boys and particularly Joe the farmhand to provide the balance. If you're looking for more equine stories for the MG reader then have a look at books by [[:Category:Victoria Eveleigh|Victoria Eveleigh]] whose series will appeal to both boys and girls. Girls, particularly, will love [[Nobody's Horse by Jane Smiley]].